Burton and Sheffield Fares Up: More Applications Pending
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AN application for fare increases by Burton-on-Trent Transport Department was described as " completely justified" by the West Midland Licensing Authority, Mr. W. P. James, on Monday.
He gave permission for it to be added to the majority of ordinary single fares, and for the abolition of workers' single fares and the children's 2d. maximum fare.
The application was. caused by heavy increases in costs, primarily arising from higher wages, which amounted to £12,410 a year. The higher fares would yield an extra £7,700 a year.
Mr. James commented that the application left only a "very modest surplus."
Fare increases designed to increase revenue by £150,000 a year were granted on Monday to Sheffield Transport Department and Sheffield Joint Omnibus Committee and British Railways by the Yorkshire Licensing Authority, Maj. F. S. Eastwood.
He said he would be interested to see the effect on loading at morning and evening peaks of the cheap fare between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m, on week-days. Details of the proposals were given in The Commercial Motor on January 7.
Saying that he deprecated attacks which had been made on the corporation during the inquiry, Maj. Eastwood stated that his experts had always commended the efficiency of the transport department.
It was revealed at the inquiry that recent increases in wages and the price of fuel would add £149,000 to operating costs in a full year.
Mansfield District Traction Co. have been granted permission by the East Midland Licensing Authority to add -1c1. to fares ranging from 2d. to 61d.
Southport Transport Committee are considering the abolition Of workers' fares. The transport department, which is losing about £1,000 a month, had its wage bill increased by £26,355 with the last pay award.
Warrington Town Council, whose transport department is faced with an expected deficit of about £22,000 on the current year's working, are to apply for permission to raise fares. It is proposed to add id. to the 11d. rate, and to fix the workmen's minimum fare at 5d. instead of 4d_
Higher fares are also being sought by Venture Transport Co. (Newcastle), Ltd., and Wright Bros. (Coaches), Ltd., both of Newcastle upon Tyne. Venture Transport desire to increase all fares under 51d. by Id., and fares of 6d. and over by Id. Wright Bros. are seeking to increase the price of 12journey tickets from 41 to 5 times the return fare.